Is there a test I can take to be promoted into the 9th grade in Illinois?

Question

I will be entering the 8th grade in the fall, I am an honor society inductee, but my birthday was late which is why I am a whole grade behind my age. I just recently moved into a new school district from Indiana. I do extremely well in school. Is there a way to be promoted to the next grade or do I have to wait a whole year and be with people who are not my age or academic level?

Answer 1

I don't know about Illinois specifically, but in most states, you do a grade a year, whether you transfer in from out of state or start and stay in the one state your whole life.  One state usually accepts kids based on their records from a previous state, so if Indiana says you're in "your right grade" according to the Indiana laws in effect at the time you enrolled in K or 1, and if you would be entering 8th grade in Indiana, then you'll be entering 8th grade no matter where you move to.

Still, it never hurts to ask.  So if I were you, I'd call the main school board office where you'll be entering, and ask them.  Might be even better if you and a parent go visit that main school board office in person.  I say "main school board office" meaning whereever it is that the school has to answer to, whereever it is that policies are made and enforced.  Where the supervisors and directors and "head honchos" are who the principals have to answer to.

There is probably a state test of some sort that all 8th graders have to pass in order to go to 9th grade anyway.  Ask about taking that one.  If you can find out the name of it, and ask about it by name, it will be more impressive.  Go to the Illinois state department of education website and look for it.  Also, look for any kind of practice materials they may have.  Also, look through the website to find out what it is that 8th graders need to know in every subject before going to ninth grade, and see if you can do these items.